Shark Tank 5: Balika Vadhu Actress Neha Marda’s Rs 999 Deodorant Gets ‘Overpriced’ Tag

TV actress-turned-entrepreneur Neha Marda of Balika Vadhu fame recently appeared on Shark Tank India Season 5. Marda, who played the character Gehna in the hit serial, pitched her skincare brand Phitku.

Phitku mainly produces roll-on deodorant for “odourless underarms” and “brighter skin”, as per the brand’s claim. However, the sharks gave Madra mixed reviews on the show.

Neha Marda’s Roll-on Deodorant on Shark Tank Season 5

Neha Marda said that she came up with the idea for the deodorant after childbirth. “Post my pregnancy, I started feeling a little discomfort with my body odour,” she said on Shark Tank. Marda said it rattled her confidence.

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“Being an actor, my confidence was shaken that day.

Nothing actually worked to solve it,” she added. She mulled it over and turned her “personal problem” into “a business idea”.

As per Phitku’s website, the company aims to “make 100% natural, gentle, and affordable skincare accessible to everyone, especially today’s youth”. Marda emphasises Phitku is “100% free from chemicals and toxins”.

https://phitku.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooVdTDSncV5Jg2nC-U_AQ6IbLTp63x7mCX9W7fAC58w-xiCt5Um

Sharks Find Neha Marda’s Deodorant Overpriced

Shark Namita Thapar told Neha Marda her product was overpriced. “Rs 200 mein deo milte hain, Rs 100 mein bhi milte hain, aur aapka Rs 999 ka hai. India relate kar paayegi? [You can get a deo for Rs 200 or even Rs 100 in the market. And yours is priced at Rs 999. Will it sell in India?] she asked

Meanwhile, Aman Gupta said it was a “very cool and new-edge business”. However, he also pointed out that the deodorant lacked fragrance. “Normally, we use deodorant for fragrance. But, you do not want your product to have a fragrance,” he said.

At this, Anupam Mittal found the idea a little confusing. “So, what do you mean by flavours? Is it just a gimmick?” he asked. In their response, team Neha Marda claimed they already sold their products to over two lakh customers.

Neha Marda gave birth to her daughter, Anaya Agrawal, in April 2023. Marda has also appeared in Doli Armaano Ki, Jhalak Dikhla Ja, and Nach Baliye.